Toronto’s Davenport Neighborhood Ranked Among World’s Coolest

A west-end neighborhood in Toronto has gained international recognition, landing at 26th place on TimeOut’s list of the world’s “39 coolest neighborhoods” for 2023. Davenport, located between Bathurst Street and Lansdowne Avenue, has captured the attention of the U.K.-based media company for its vibrant culture and community.

To compile this list, TimeOut surveyed writers and editors from around the globe to identify the most dynamic districts in their cities. The rankings were based on several criteria, including culture, community, food and drink, livability, nightlife, and an elusive quality described as “that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness.’”

What Makes Davenport Stand Out

TimeOut highlighted Davenport’s lively atmosphere, featuring numerous patios and cafes that contribute to its appeal as a creative hub. The travel guide referred to the area as a “magnet” for both artists and food enthusiasts, singling out General Public as a key establishment in the neighborhood. In addition, the presence of local breweries such as Blood Brothers and The Greater Good on Geary Avenue enhances the area’s reputation for nightlife, attracting a diverse crowd eager to explore its offerings.

Davenport is also notable for its contributions to arts and design. The Geary Art Crawl showcases local talent, while the Black-owned creative studio, All Ours Studio, emphasizes the neighborhood’s commitment to fostering creativity and inclusion.

According to TimeOut, spending “the perfect day” in Davenport begins with a matcha latte at Balzac’s Powerhouse. Visitors can then explore the Cardinal Gallery to view impressive photography. For lunch, diners might enjoy a spicy eggplant sandwich at Amelia’s Market or a flavorful falafel from Parallel Brothers. The day can culminate with an afternoon at Paradise Grapevine, known for its unique “darty” concept, which features a frozen rosé slushie machine and a mechanical bull.

As the sun sets, the neighborhood continues to buzz with activity. A slice of pizza from North of Brooklyn Pizza paired with live music at Standard Time rounds out the experience, making Davenport a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists.

Canadian Neighbors on the List

Davenport is not the only Canadian neighborhood to earn a spot on this prestigious list. Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal also made the cut, ranking 22nd. This recognition underscores the cultural richness present in Canadian urban areas, celebrating their unique identities on a global stage.

TimeOut’s complete list of the “coolest” neighborhoods features diverse locations from around the world, including:

– Jimbōchō, Tokyo, Japan
– Borgerhout, Antwerp, Belgium
– Barra Funda, São Paulo, Brazil
– Camberwell, London, England
– Avondale, Chicago, U.S.
– Mullae-dong, Seoul, Korea
– Ménilmontant, Paris, France
– Nakatsu, Osaka, Japan
– Vallila, Helsinki, Finland
– Labone, Accra, Ghana
– Nguyen Thai Binh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
– Anjos, Lisbon, Portugal

Davenport’s inclusion in this esteemed list highlights its growing significance as a cultural and social hub, attracting attention from those eager to experience its unique and vibrant atmosphere.